Busy. I feel like I'm just now sitting down after a week of activity and tasks.

My third semester of graduate school commenced on Wednesday.

We began fostering two, five-week old kittens.

I embarked on three sewing projects.

And I'm still attempting to work full-time.

As I sit and type I think of my father, and how he always finds ways to occupy his time...from the moment he rises at 6 AM to play a match of tennis to when he winds down with a glass of red wine, pouring over at least two newspapers before going to bed.

But this activity...and all it demands....feels restorative. Anything but a burden. Brother kitten sits on my lap and his little body curls up as I stroke his head. The newly sewn curtains hanging in my office are loud and colorful. A perfect antidote to tired eyes. And the muffins that required an hour of my time this morning are the ideal evening snack. I know I'll sleep well in a few hours and wake up eager to begin again.

When my oldest sister died in April, I took a few of her things home with me. Her old green sewing box has become one of my most cherished possessions. Ryan and I have kept an unused sewing machine in our closet for the past three years, and only last week did I decide to take it out.

As I fiddled with thread, learned about bobbins and stitches and took my kitchen scissors to cloth, I felt like Pam sat in the room with me. Although I could have easily called my mom, or another one of my crafty friends, I trudged through the learning process with no one besides her spirit. In the past few months of grieving, I've found nothing more healing than running my fingers over the spools and pins my sister kept.

So it isn't surprising I had a hard time stopping once my machine began to hum. Over the last two days, I outfitted our bathroom, kitchen and office with brightly printed curtains. I'll think of Pam when the sun filters through the rust-colored curtains in my kitchen...and the thoughts will be happy ones.

This morning, as I stood in my newly clothed kitchen, I thought of muffins. A bunch of bananas was browning in my fruit bowl, so I peeled away the brown skin and began mashing with a smaller-than-ideal fork. Because banana bread is comfort in my family. We serve it during holidays and weeks in which we need an extra dose of love or support. If I had it my way, I'd eat banana bread (with my family) every Sunday morning.

I made this batch special by stirring in a few spoonfuls of raspberry jam. The sugared fruit bubbled as the batter rose and browned in my oven. These mini muffins were little gems of baked goodness--perfect with a tall glass of cold milk and a kitten by your side.

When you're as busy as I've been, taking a moment to sit and eat something crafted with care and love is priceless. Tonight, I'll have a few slices of banana jam bread as I watch the kittens play or while Ryan and I share a movie on our almost-too-small couch. And I'll smile because our rooms are warm and inviting, wrapped in love.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 Fahrenheit. Grease an 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan (or grease 3 mini-loaf pans or a standard 12 cup muffin tin). 2. In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients. Set aside. In a medium bowl, combine bananas, butter, eggs, sugar and yogurt. Gently fold the banana mixture into the flour mixture with a rubber spatula (do not overmix). The batter will look thick and chunky.3. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top. With a teaspoon, drop spoonfuls of jam onto the top of your loaves. Gently run a knife through the batter to swirl.4. Bake until golden brown and only a few moist crumbs cling to a toothpick inserted in the center (about 50 minutes for a regular pan, about 20 minutes for mini pans or muffins). Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. Allow to cool for 1 hour before serving.

Looks wonderful my friend! I have had some bad luck with banana bread in the past, I will give this one a try!

Reply

Lauren

08/29/2011 5:55am

I love buying new things for the house, especially new linens. I recently bought new curtains for our living room, and although my wallet didn't necessarily like it, I absolutely love looking at how much it adds to the entire house.

All you need is a little almond butter on that bread and you have yourself a pumped up PB&J! :)

Reply

Jeannie

08/29/2011 8:36am

Sounds like a great way to unwind:) wish I could sew too, I have a sew machine sitting here but I have no idea how to operate it!

Reply

FOODESSA

08/29/2011 9:15am

You certainly are the busy bee and now you've added some possible sewing projects...here's wishing you all the very best energy Monet ;o)

The image of you sewing and thinking about Pam has tears in my eyes. What a beautiful way to spend the weekend and bring beauty to your home as well. I love that it feels as if you wrapped your home in love. I feel the same way about some of my keepsakes. The beauty that they bring to our lives is not always visible, but it is palpable.

This bread sounds delicious. I am going to try dropping some jam into mine next time I'm baking banana bread. Thanks for the idea!

Monet - you know I love your baking - and have bookmarked this because it is a new twist and fun. And I always am moved and intrigued by your writing. But this time Monet - the kitten upstaged all. I'm mush. Too cute.

The bread looks amazing! So great to have a baked good that is perfect on the plate without needing anything extra. But I must confess that I scrolled thru looking for a kitty photo before going back up and reading everything. Adorable.

That is some cool-looking bread! It has to taste amazing. And I agree with what you say about sitting down and appreciating something to eat. It drives me crazy when people say they eat while driving or scarf down food between errands. Slow down and appreciate the good things in life.

You should post some pics of the curtains. They'd do your sister proud.

I always love reading your words. When I was little I spent summers baking and cooking with my Grandmother in West Virginia. Sometimes when I'm in my kitchen I feel like she's proudly there supervising and approving the final product.

The muffins look wonderful. I never would have thought of swirling in some jam with banana bread.

I also thought I would let you know that the name of this recipe reminds me of a 70's psychedelic jam band ;)

Monet, I commend you for making time for it all. It sounds like your plate is very full but it's a wonderful thing that you still make time for your passions, including baking. This bread looks so moist and delicious. Great job with it!

Yum! Banana bread is the best! You do sound so very busy. Good luck on the crafting projects-it's wonderful that a part of Pam is alongside your sewing. While we were home, I found myself relishing over the sewing kit and projects left after Greg's grandmother had passed away.

You are a gift to my soul - I wish you could hop over to help decorate my new house (when we find it). I have a sewing machine but....... sigh, it needs putting to good use. And I love banana bread - love the jam additions

I'm with you - banana bread every weekend. I have bananas ripening on my counter as we speak so I'm hoping for some banana treats coming soon. Glad you're finding time for yourself in the midst of your busy days!

I love banana quick breads and this one looks like it doesn't disappoint. I'd love to see your curtains; they sound beautiful! I find respite in my sewing machine as well. There's something so soothing about creating beautiful endings from nothing but cloth and thread.

So sweet that you're fostering kittens! I bet they bring you much joy. And I love how you've taught yourself to sew - I bet you're curtains are beautiful. The banana muffins are scrumptious - jam is perfect for them. Congrats on finishing your third semester! xoxo

Reading this post made me long for my family. Banana bread is special to me as well, it is my Mom's favorite thing to bake. She has the recipe written on an old index card and I always think of her when I make some of my own. She lives in Florida, I'm living in Michigan now with my husband. The miles between us are so far! Beautiful post Monet.

What a coincidence, Monet! I also made a banana jam bread with the last jar of my homemade mango jam, which I didn't post about, also did not bother to take a picture of the banana/jam bread. It was almost all gone, by the time it cooled off. I love the way yours turned out with the pretty swirls all over.
Love your new kitten...so now you have a grey, and a black. They will be nice company for each other.
Loved reading your post, as always...sharing your thoughts, your hopes, and your dreams, as if we're sitting down and having a nice cup of tea or coffee with your incredible baked goods!
Hugs to you, my sweet friend!

Girl, this bread looks like the whole jam jar exploded inside it- major props to this creation...really loving the swirls throughout- oh i bet i would love eating this!!

i am in love with the idea of using sewing as a way of connecting to your sister. a sewing machine is a great gift to pass down through generations, and because it was your sister's, it really makes the whole sewing concept really cherishable. it puts tingles in my heart knowing that it brings you closer to her whenever you sew <3 <3

Being busy is certainly both a blessing as a curse but so long as you're enjoying all the things you're doing and it's keeping you happy...then I think it's for the best. This bread looks OUT OF THIS WORLD!

Hi Monet! Sounds like you have been quite busy lately, it is great that you still find the time to bake delicious goodies :)! Those kittens you are fostering are adorable, enjoy them! Your banana jam bread sounds amazing, I can only imagine the combination of the sweet bananas and jam...it reminds me of childhood and when I used to have PB and J sandwiches with jam. Hope you are having a wonderful week!

Monet,
Your story was so heart warming, thank you for sharing this journey... I am sure it must have been difficult to start the sewing project... I think your love, courage and strength is so inspiring. I am so glad you started it... finished it... and wrote about your experience. You are helping many...
Thank you... sending you {{{hugs}}}
Lisa

Woops, sorry for that no-comment comment. The bread is knock-out gorgeous! Sometimes I feel like I'm just tired of banana bread overall but this makes it look fresh and wonderful! What a sweet kitty :)

Hi Monet, Just trying to catch up with all the posts I haven't had time to read this week. You are a brave girl fosting two kittens - so cute! Isn't it amazing how some people can make the absolute most of their time. Sure sounds like you do - even if you don't realize it. Thanks for sharing your delicious recipe. Have a great Labor day!

These look yummy! Bet banana gives the bread a very nice flavor. Love their size too! I wish days are longer than 24 hours or I could wake up as early as your dad does. Wish you have a nice week my lovely friend!